Core Insights - The pre-made food industry must address its trust crisis and technological bottlenecks to transition from quantity explosion to quality evolution [1] - The number of sustainable and profitable companies in the pre-made food sector is expected to decrease significantly from over 68,000 to potentially under 5,000 in the next five years, with only about 1,500 companies likely to have substantial market influence [3] Market Dynamics - **Core Product Sales Landscape** - "Sour Fish" has maintained the top position in sales for four consecutive years, with a market share of 50%, driven by its authentic flavor and competitive pricing [5] - "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" is emerging as a growth engine in the high-end market, with sales surging by 216% during the Spring Festival [6] - Various meat-based pre-made dishes are gaining traction, with "Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables" leading in family consumption [7] - **Health-Conscious Trends** - High-protein, low-fat products are seeing a sales increase of 217% in the first half of 2025, appealing to fitness enthusiasts and office workers [8] - Air fryer-specific pre-made dishes are gaining popularity, accounting for 27% of sales in 2025 [8] Consumer Behavior - **Demand Upgrades** - Convenience is a major driver, with 43% of sales coming from the 22-31 age group, and 44.4% purchasing pre-made meals 2-3 times a week [10] - 62% of consumers are concerned about additives and preservation technologies, leading to a 35% growth in low-fat and low-sugar products [10] Supply Chain and Technology - **Logistics and Production Advances** - The national cold storage capacity exceeds 200 million cubic meters, with cold chain transportation rates improving to 45% [11] - Standardized production through central kitchens has reduced costs by 20% compared to traditional dining [11] Policy and Investment - **Regulatory and Financial Support** - The implementation of national food safety standards in 2025 will enforce cold chain transportation and no preservatives, accelerating the exit of smaller brands [12] - Over 10 billion yuan has been invested in the pre-made food sector in 2024, with leading companies expanding capacity through IPOs [12] Regional Market Characteristics - **East Coast: High-End and Diverse** - Guangdong focuses on high-end products like "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall," while Zhejiang emphasizes convenient options like "Sour Fish" [13] - Online sales account for over 50% of the market, with platforms enhancing repurchase rates through quick delivery [14] - **Midwest: Value and Local Flavor** - Regions like Sichuan and Chongqing prefer spicy dishes, with community group buying increasing order volumes by 230% in 2025 [16] - **Northern Market: Large Portions and Bold Flavors** - Northeastern consumers favor hearty dishes, with winter hot pot demand significantly boosting sales [18] Competitive Landscape - **E-commerce Strategies** - Platforms like Pinduoduo focus on value, while JD.com is leaning towards premium products, with sales of high-end pre-made dishes increasing by 250% during the Spring Festival [19][20] - **Offline Channels: Experience and Engagement** - Supermarkets are enhancing conversion rates through tasting events, while convenience stores are bundling fresh food with pre-made options [22] - **B2B Market: Chain Restaurants Lead Procurement** - Chain restaurants have an 80% penetration rate for pre-made dishes, significantly reducing labor costs [23] Future Trends and Challenges - **Growth Opportunities** - The health-focused pre-made food market is projected to exceed 250 billion yuan by 2030, with local specialties gaining traction in international markets [26] - The industry faces challenges from homogenized competition and consumer trust issues, with 32% of consumers doubting the nutritional value of pre-made meals [27][28]